The Hard Shoulder

Over 450 motorists have gotten out of convictions and avoided getting penalty points by making a donation to the court poor box since 2022.459 drivers in front of the District Court had their charges dismissed or struck out after putting money in the poor box.To discuss further Ciara Doherty is joined by Newstalk’s Henry McKean.

As you should know by now, Catherine Connolly is now the 10th President of the Republic of Ireland. She has officially taken over from Michael D Higgins after an inauguration ceremony in Dublin Castle today.Newstalk’s Political Correspondent Seán Defoe has been keeping an eye on proceedings today, and joins Ciara Doherty to discuss how things went, and to look ahead to the next few days as President Connolly begins the role.

As eight counties are issued a Status Yellow rain warning today, drivers are urged to take care as spot-flooding and poor visibility are expected, but are these warnings enough, or should we look to revamp our flood warnings here to account for high rivers and saturated land?Joining Ciara Doherty to discuss is Alan O’Reilly from Carlow Weather and Danny Collins, Independent Ireland Cllr.

If you’ve had your bike stolen in any Irish village town or city then you’re certainly not the only one.In fact, it’s estimated that half of cyclists will have at least one bike stolen in their lifetime on two wheels.But can anything be done to stop the scourge of bike theft in it's tracks?Newstalk's Sarah Madden reports.

Scams are on the rise across Ireland, with many people being targeted on a daily basis, and so there is a push to make people aware of how to protect themselves as the scams become more intelligent and harder to detect.To chat about this, Ciara Doherty is joined by former Irish international and FraudSmart advocate, Niall Quinn.

For this week’s Kids Health Check, Ollwyn Moran, Neuro Development Therapist and Founder of Cognikids joins Ciara Doherty to discuss how to recognise autism and ADHD in your child.

BBC Chair Samir Shah has given an apology this afternoon to a parliamentary group responsible for scrutinising the work of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport and its associated public bodies - including the BBC.It follows the resignation of BBC Director General Tim Davie and Chief Executive of News Deborah Turness following criticism that a BBC documentary misled viewers by editing a speech by US President Donald Trump during an episode of Panorama.It’s also been confirmed that Trump has sent a letter to the BBC threatening legal action.Steve Barnett is Professor of Communications at University of Westminster, and joins Ciara Doherty to discuss.

Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, was asked on the Anton Savage Show on Newstalk on October 18th about popping up in emergency departments unannounced, she stated: “That’s the way I’m doing it, if they don’t like it, they can leave”.One consultant who was not encouraged by the Minister’s words was Dr Lisa Cunningham, Consultant in Emergency Medicine at Mayo University Hospital. She joins Ciara Doherty to discuss…

Sesame Street has gone global today, with new episodes dropping on Netflix, also marking the show’s 56th anniversary. And, in an age where kids have access to endless amounts of entertainment, will there be much of an appetite for Sesame Street - is there a need for a reimagination of kids TV in general?Joining Ciara Doherty to discuss is author Sarah Maria Griffin.

The pressure on Israel’s participation in international competition is building.It’s after the FAI passed a resolution this weekend to submit a formal motion to UEFA urging it to ban Israel from European club and international competitions.One of those leading the charge is Bohemians FC, and their Chief Operating Officer Daniel Lambert joins Ciara Doherty to discuss.

While the focus from many wellness influencers in recent years has been on protein, there has been a noticeable shift towards prioritizing fiber, but what are the health benefits of a fiber-rich diet?Joining Ciara Doherty to discuss is Shelly Gray, Today FM Presenter and Registered Dietitian.

Figures from bonkers.ie suggest that Irish households are expected to spend over €1200 this Christmas, between food, presents, socialising and more…And some will consider borrowing to get through it all - is that a good idea?John Lowe is from Money Doctors.ie, and joins Ciara Doherty to discuss.

Donegal Olympian Caitriona Jennings smashed the 100-mile world record, coming in more than five minutes faster than the previous best.It’s a huge achievement, and she joins Ciara Doherty to discuss.

This week, Ciara Doherty was joined by Broadcaster Meghan Scully and Comedian Jim Elliot to look back on the week that was, but with a few twists…

Calls are being made for more offline spaces to be created for the young people of Ireland. To chat about this need and the urgency behind it, Ciara Doherty is joined by Kathryn Walsh, the National Youth Council of Ireland’s Director of Policy and Advocacy.

Ahead of what looks set to be a cold and damp weekend, we’re going to be discussing some wintry meals that might warm you up.Joining Ciara Doherty to discuss some recipes is TV Chef and Culinary Lecturer, Edward Hayden!

The Louvre is facing fresh scrutiny over its security deficiencies following an 80-million-euro heist last month, as it was revealed that the password for the museum’s video surveillance was “LOUVRE”.Joining Ciara Doherty to discuss this is Elaine Burke from the ‘For Tech's Sake’ podcast.

Off The Ball's Mick McCarthy joined Ciara Doherty on The Hard Shoulder to review the week in sport and look ahead to the weekend action…

BreastCheck looks set to miss its screening target for a third year in a row.The national screening programme for breast cancer screens symptom-free women aged between 5 and 69 – and the target set was 219,000.However, it is expected that just 170,000 will be screened…Joining Ciara Doherty to discuss this is Amy Nolan, Director of Clinical Affairs at the Irish Cancer Society and the Green Party’s Hazel Chu.

American TV series ‘Bob’s Burgers’ has received praise in Ireland following their recent portrayal of an old Irish mammy, and it got us thinking: what are some of the best and worst Irish representations on both the big and small screen?To discuss this, Ciara Doherty is joined by Arts Journalist and Film Critic, Chris Wasser.

Former Prince Andrew has been ordered to appear before US Congress over ongoing investigations into convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. It comes just days after King Charles stripped his brother of his “Prince” title following renewed scrutiny of his links to Epstein.Joining Ciara Doherty with more on this is Mark Paul, London Correspondent for the Irish Times.

An Post has put out a warning when it comes to sending teabags, crisps or chocolate this Christmas, because of US tariffs and rules…Newstalk’s Henry McKean has been investigating, and joins Ciara Doherty to discuss.

Sarina Bellissimo, Broadcaster and Presenter of the Bellissimo Files Podcast and David O’Callaghan from the Here and Back Again podcast joined Ciara Doherty on The Hard Shoulder to review the latest TV and movie releases…

'Scanxiety' or scan anxiety is something many cancer survivors will understand, but how do you deal with the worry in the days leading up to a scan?Joining Ciara Doherty to discuss is Professor Seamus O’Reilly, Consultant Medical Oncologist at Cork University Hospital and Brendan Kelly, Professor of Psychiatry at Trinity College Dublin.

Artist Paul Hughes joins Ciara Doherty for this week’s Thursday Interview!

Taoiseach Micheál Martin today begins a two-day official visit to Belém, Brazil to attend the COP30 Leader’s Summit.Newstalk Reporter Jessica Woodlock is there, and joins Ciara Doherty to give the latest updates.

Almost a quarter of Uisce Éireann staff earned a salary over one hundred thousand euro last year.Officials from Uisce Eireann appeared before the Public Accounts Committee earlier today outlining how over four hundred staff earned one hundred thousand euro or more last year…Uisce Eireann also outlined that it will be beyond 2030 before the Greater Dublin Drainage Project will be up and running, which was identified as necessary over a decade ago.Newstalk’s Chief Reporter Barry Whyte was monitoring this meeting, and joins Ciara Doherty to give the latest updates. Also joining to discuss is James Geoghegan, Fine Gael TD for Dublin Bay South, and member of the PAC committee.

The US Government shutdown has entered its 37th day - it is the longest period of time the American government has been closed…It all started on October 1st, because of the inability of Congress to agree to a new funding deal for Government workers and essential services.Joining Ciara Doherty to discuss is Anthony Zurcher, North American Correspondent with BBC News.

There are renewed calls for a dedicated transport police to be set up. Newstalk Reporter Josh Crosbie spent an evening out with Dublin Bus - one year since they have established the Safer Journeys team, and joins Ciara Doherty to discuss.

“Every diocese in Ireland would collapse if priests retired at 75”. That’s according to Father Roy Donovan, Spokesperson for the Association of Catholic Priests, but is Catholicism purely functional now?Joining Ciara Doherty to discuss is Portlaoise Parish Priest, Fr David Vard.

A new policy and a plan to strengthen the teaching, learning and use of Irish language in schools is due to be launched today by Minister for Education and Youth Helen McEntee, but what exactly should be done to encourage young people to love the Irish language and keep it alive?Joining me now is Irish Independent Columnist, Mary McCarty and Seán Ó Mhaoilchiaráin, Cuala Ceathair Presenter.

Life can be full of confusing things, but no need to worry! Every Wednesday, Simon Tierney will be showing you ‘How to do Stuff’ - bringing his best tips for those things you might not think about.This week, Simon joins Ciara to discuss how you can break bad news.

There is ongoing outrage in Paris, as online retailer Shein has opened its first ever permanent store today, with protests taking place in the city against it.To explain all of this, Ciara Doherty is joined by Sustainability Advocate, Pat Kane.Image: Reuters

There’s lots of discussion around left-wing and right-wing politics, but what about those voters in the middle, who don’t identify with either view? To chat about the growing popularity of left and right discourse in Irish society, Ciara Doherty is joined by Kevin Cunningham, Lecturer in Politics at TU Dublin, and Dr Graham Finlay, Assistant Professor in the School of Politics and International Relations UCD.Image: Reuters

The Irish brand  SOSU Cosmetics has withdrawn one of its products from sale as a precautionary measure after it was found to contain elevated levels of arsenic.Do influencers truly know what ingredients are in their products and how should we educate ourselves as consumers when buying skincare or makeup products?Joining Ciara Doherty to discuss  is Dr. Isabel Haugh, Consultant Dermatologist at Dr. Haugh Dermatology & Aesthetics.

For this week’s Tech Takeover, Jess Kelly, Newstalk’s Technology Correspondent joins Ciara Doherty to discuss why the Chinese government wants influencers in their country to hold degrees in the topics they are talking about, like health or finance.

The Department of Agriculture has announced a compulsory housing order from next Monday for poultry and captive birds, following recent bird flu outbreaks.How will this affect things like the Christmas turkey?News Editor of The Irish Farmers Journal, Amy Forde, joins Ciara Doherty.

Today, People Before Profit TD Richard Boyd Barrett was welcomed back into the Dáil after recovering from throat cancer.He took the opportunity to call for cancer services to be properly resourced and supported in his first speech back.Richard joins Ciara Doherty in the studio to discuss.

Broadcaster and Author, Iain Dale, joins Ciara Doherty to discuss the latest book he’s edited: ‘The Taoiseach: A Century of Political Leadership’.

Preparations for COP30 are underway, with Taoiseach Micheál Martin being one of the world leaders who will be attending.Newstalk Reporter Jessica Woodlock is over there, and joins Ciara to discuss what we can expect. Also joining to discuss is John Sweeney, Emeritus Professor in the Irish Climate Analysis and Research Units at the Department of Geography at Maynooth University.Image: COP30

Learner drivers who have had a car permit for four years will have to take a driving test before renewing their permit, closing an 11-year loophole.Geraldine Herbert is Motoring Editor and Columnist with the Sunday Independent. She joins Ciara Doherty to explain more.

The Government is aiming to introduce a digital wallet that would hold people’s life milestones for easy access. This could include documents such as a birth certificate or deeds to your home.Newstalk’s Henry McKean has been out asking the public for their thoughts…To chat a bit more about this plan, Ciara Doherty is joined by Eoin Keary, Founder of Edgescan, and Fine Gael MEP Regina Doherty.

A problem that many people face: how do you pick the right shoes for you? And what are the risks if you get the wrong pair?To discuss, Seán Defoe is joined by Footwear Expert, Liam Hughes.

Every week for The Ultimate Guide on The Hard Shoulder, Fionn Davenport takes a closer look at some of the fantastic destinations to visit around the world.This week, Fionn joined Seán Defoe to discuss a newly-released list on the best 50 hotels in the world.

Joining Seán Defoe is Psychotherapist, author, former professional footballer, pundit, and Movember ambassador Richie Sadlier to discuss the importance of creating the space for men to discuss their mental health…

Ten people were wounded in the mass stabbing on board a train between Doncaster and London's King's Cross Station on Saturday night.Seán Defoe is joined by Stephen Crean, an Irish citizen who was on board the train and interjected, blocking the attacker from injuring other passengers.

Independent Senator Tom Clonan joins Seán Defoe to place his favourite book on The Hard Shoulder Bookshelf!

Former Vice President to George W. Bush, Dick Cheney has died at the age of 84 today. He was widely viewed as one of the most polarizing, but also influential, Vice Presidents ever.Elsewhere, New Yorkers are taking the polls today to elect a new Mayor.Joining Seán Defoe to discuss all is White House Columnist for the Hill ,Niall Stanage.Image: Reuters

The Parents of 826,000 primary and pre-school children in the state will soon be asked to participate in a national survey.The survey, the largest and first ever held so far, will collect data on the kind of school structure parents want. Asking questions around the role of religion in schools, and whether single or mixed schools should be the future approach in education.The Minister for Education and Youth, and Fine Gael TD Helen McEntee, joins Seán Defoe to discuss.

AI chatbots are drawing in teenage boys, who use them for therapy, companionship and relationships, according to new research.Over a third of those surveyed said they were considering the idea of an AI friend, amid growing concern about the rise of AI therapists and girlfriends…Joining Seán Defoe to discuss is Psychologist Tara Logan Buckley.